Lamborghini Islero 400 GT, 1968
Lamborghini Islero
Lamborghini Islero•
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Chassis No.: 6354
Engine No.: 2544
CHF172,500 CHF | Sold
- One of only 225 made
- 4.0-litre quad-cam V12 engine
- Manual transmission
Bonhams is the guarantor of customs duty and tax clearance; consequently, this motor car cannot be released to the buyer or their transporter immediately after the sale. Lamborghini Islero coupé 1968 Chassis No. 6354 Engine No. 2544
- One of only 225 made
- 4-litre V12 engine with four overhead camshafts
- Manual transmission
- In the hands of the current owner since 2008 Please note that this car is subject to local import tax on the sale price and buyer's premium. Also, please note that this car is sold on a Bill of Sale.
Bonhams is the guarantor of customs duty and tax clearance; consequently, this car cannot be released to the buyer or their transporter immediately after the sale.
"This may well become the nicest to drive and the most consistent in behaviour of all Lambos." - Car magazine on the Islero. Launched at the Geneva Salon in 1968, the Islero was a development of the 400 GT 2+2, which was itself derived from Ferruccio Lamborghini's first production car, the Touring-styled 350 GT of 1964. Launched at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show, the 350 GT was the work of three of Italy's most illustrious automobile engineers, featuring a glorious 3.5-litre, four-cam V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, which was housed in a tubular chassis developed by Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani.
The 350 GT's four camshafts and all-independent suspension meant that it upstaged the best that Ferrari offered at the time. After a slow start production soon picked up, with 131 350 GTs being completed before the arrival of the 400 GT and 247 of the latter before it was superseded by the Islero. Launched at the Geneva Salon in 1968, the Islero was a development of the 400 GT 2+2, which was itself derived from Ferruccio Lamborghini's first production car, the Touring-styled 350 GT of 1964.
Launched at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show, the 350 GT was the work of three of Italy's most illustrious automobile engineers, featuring a glorious 3.5-litre, four-cam V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, which was housed in a tubular chassis developed by Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani. The 350 GT's four camshafts and all-independent suspension meant that it upstaged the best that Ferrari offered at the time. After a slow start production soon picked up, with 131 350 GTs being completed before the arrival of the 400 GT and 247 of the latter before it was superseded by the Islero.
The Islero's square-tube chassis was based on that of its predecessors, though with wider track to accommodate fatter rubber, while its elegantly understated coachwork was styled by ex-Touring personnel led by Mario Marazzi. The model was named after the legendary bull that had killed Spain's best matador, 'Manolete'. Housed beneath an impressively low-slung bonnet, Lamborghini's 4.0-litre V12 engine was carried over from the 400 GT and produced 320bhp initially, 350bhp in later Islero S form. The latter appeared in 1969 and could be distinguished by its flared wheelarches, vented front wings and a revised interior with more supportive seats and improved instruments and switch gear.
Improvements were also made to the suspension and brakes. Car magazine's test Islero achieved a true 157mph (252km/h) back in 1969, proving to be as quiet and stable at its maximum as at 130. It was also startlingly quick off the mark, hitting 60mph (96km/h) in 5.9 seconds and hurtling to 100mph (161km/h) in 13.7, outstanding figures even today. Around the Neapolitan back-roads the Islero demonstrated an agility and sureness of foot which belied its role as a Grande Routière. Despite an impeccable pedigree, the Islero, 225 of which were manufactured between 1968 and 1969, is today the most overlooked of Lamborghini's early front-engined cars.
This Lamborghini Islero was delivered new in Switzerland in Bronzo Scura with a matching Senape interior. Unfortunately, nothing is known of the life of this particular Islero prior to its purchase by the current owner from The Gallery (Aaldering Classic & Sportscars, Brummen) on 18th July 2008 (purchase invoice on file). A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these exclusive, limited-edition, early Lamborghinis. This example would benefit from a full respray and a general overhaul of its mechanical and suspension components. However, the colour combination suits the car, and the interior is in good overall condition, with the odometer reading 68,121 Kilometres.
The car is accompanied by a jack and its spare wheel. Lamborghini Islero 1968 Chassis No. 6354 Engine No. 2544 "This may well become the nicest to drive and the most consistent in behaviour of all Lambos." - Car magazine on the Islero. Launched at the Geneva Salon in 1968, the Islero was derived from the 400 GT 2+2, itself derived from Ferruccio Lamborghini's first production car, the Touring-bodied 350 GT of 1964.
Unveiled at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show, the 350 GT was the work of three of Italy's most illustrious automobile engineers. It featured a glorious 3.5-litre, four-cam V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, housed in a tubular chassis developed by Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani. The 350 GT's four camshafts and independent suspension on all four wheels outclassed everything Ferrari offered at the time. After a slow start, production of the 350 GT reached 131 units before the arrival of the 400 GT, of which 247 were built before it was replaced by the Islero.
The Islero's square-tube chassis was based on that of its predecessor, but with a wider track to accommodate larger tyres, while its elegantly understated bodywork was designed by former Touring staff led by Mario Marazzi. The model was named after the legendary bull that killed Manolete, Spain's greatest matador. Housed beneath an impressively low bonnet, Lamborghini's 4-litre V12 was an evolution of the 400 GT's engine and produced 320 hp. In its test of the Islero, Car magazine recorded a speed of 157 mph (252 km/h) in 1969; the car proved as quiet and stable at its maximum speed as at 130.
It was also exceptionally quick, reaching 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.9 seconds and 100 mph (161 km/h) in 13.7 seconds—impressive figures even today. On the small roads around Naples, the Islero demonstrated agility and sure-footedness at odds with its role as a grand tourer. Less flamboyant or ostentatious than other Lamborghinis, but rare, with only 225 built, the Islero represents remarkable value by comparison and is a connoisseur's car that lets its performance speak for itself. This Lamborghini Islero 400 GT was delivered new in Switzerland in Bronzo Scura, with a Senape interior.
Purchased by its current owner from Gallery (Aaldering Classic & Sportscars, Brummen) on 18 July 2008 (invoice on file) and little used since, it would benefit from a thorough overhaul of its mechanical and suspension components. A full respray would also be needed to restore it to its former glory. Nevertheless, it retains its elegant original colour combination, while the interior is in good overall condition. The odometer reads 68,121 kilometres. The car will be sold with its jack and spare wheel. A wonderful opportunity to acquire one of these exclusive and rare early Lamborghinis.
Please note that import taxes will apply if the Islero remains in Switzerland.
Cost
172,500 AED
